Peterborough United play host to Northampton Town on Saturday afternoon looking for the win that will take them to the brink of survival in the third tier for another season.
At a time when the home side sit in 14th position in the League One table, Northampton are down in 19th spot, just four points above the relegation zone.
Match preview
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When Peterborough won just two of 16 League One fixtures earlier in the campaign, it felt like Darren Ferguson‘s job at Posh was on the line.
However, the long-serving boss has since delivered another EFL Trophy final for the club’s supporters and a run of form in the third tier that has essentially guaranteed survival.
In nine matches since the middle of February, Peterborough have recorded five victories and three draws, their only defeat being a 3-1 reverse at Reading.
On Tuesday night, Peterborough conceded three goals for the second game in succession, yet they overturned an early deficit to run out 4-3 winners in a thriller at Crawley Town.
With seven games remaining, Ferguson’s side hold a nine-point advantage over 21st spot as they bid to extend an unbeaten home record that has lasted from December 29.
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As for Northampton, Kevin Nolan can be relatively satisfied with the work that he has done with the Cobblers, keeping them above the bottom four.
Nevertheless, despite suffering just three defeats in the last eight matches, four draws during that period has ensured that Northampton sit just four points clear of the relegation zone.
Nolan would have fancied his team’s chances in midweek against a Rotherham United outfit that had just sacked Steve Evans, yet they succumbed to a 2-0 loss on familiar territory.
On a more positive note, Northampton have impressed on their travels in recent months, accumulating eight points from their last four such encounters which has included wins at Mansfield Town and Leyton Orient.
Team News
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Jadel Katongo could be drafted into the Peterborough XI on the back of defender Sam Hughes limping off against Crawley.
That may prove to be the only change unless Ferguson opts for fresh legs, Cian Hayes someone who could potentially be included in the final third.
Abraham Odoh netted his first Peterborough hat-trick in midweek and should retain his spot on the flank.
Meanwhile, Nesta Guinness-Walker may be recalled to the Northampton backline as a replacement for either Luke Mbete or Timothy Eyoma.
Tom Eaves could also be restored to the attack and Will Hondermarck is an option in midfield as Nolan looks for a reaction to the Rotherham defeat.
Peterborough United possible starting lineup:
Steer; Johnston, Wallin, Hughes, Edun; Kyprianou, Collins; Poku, Mothersille, Odoh; Jones
Northampton Town possible starting lineup:
Burge; Mbete, Dyche, Guinness-Walker; Odimayo, Perry, Taylor, Pinnock; McGeehan, Eaves; Hoskins
We say: Peterborough United 2-1 Northampton Town
Although Northampton have generally been economical under Nolan, they are facing a Peterborough side who have recently found some form. With that in mind, we are backing Posh to come through with the three points, leaving the visitors looking over their shoulders.
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